# Confession: The Power of Personal Accountability [Day 173 - Orchos Tzaddikim | Repentance 30]

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/confession-the-power-of-personal-accountability-day-173-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-30
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642/confession-the-power-of-personal-accountability-day-173-orchos-tzaddikim-repentance-30.md
Podcast: [Jewish Inspiration Podcast · Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe](https://stenobird.com/podcast/jewish-inspiration-podcast-rabbi-aryeh-wolbe-675642)
Published: 2026-07-26T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://share.transistor.fm/s/974e4cec
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/media.transistor.fm/974e4cec/93346d47.mp3
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Duration seconds: 449

## Resource

In this concluding section of the Gate of Repentance ( Shaar HaTeshuvah ), Rabbi Aryeh Wolbe explains that even unintentional mistakes require reflection and repair . Whether a person accidentally desecrates Shabbos by forgetting the day or commits another transgression without malicious intent, Judaism teaches that every action carries accountability. The Orchot Tzaddikim recommends that a person establish personal consequences—such as fasting, giving charity, or voluntarily giving up a physical pleasure—to reinforce awareness and prevent future mistakes. These self-imposed acts are not punishments, but tools for spiritual growth and greater mindfulness. Rabbi Wolbe broadens this idea beyond major sins to include the subtle habits that quietly weaken our relationship with Hashem. Idle conversation, jealousy, hatred, enjoying another person's downfall, speaking lashon hara, reciting blessings without concentration, and praying absentmindedly all deserve sincere introspection. Every individual should regularly examine their own behavior, honestly acknowledge where improvement is needed, and approach Hashem with a humble, broken heart. The promise of teshuvah is that no matter where we have fallen, Hashem eagerly accepts sincere repentance. The episode concludes with a discussion of Vidui —confession before Hashem. Drawing from the biblical account of Achan and the teachings of the Talmud, Rabbi Wolbe explains that confession is an essential component of repentance because it demonstrates personal responsibility. Even someone approaching the end of life who feels they have not fully repented is encouraged to confess and ask that their passing serve as atonement. Rabbi Wolbe closes the chapter by reminding us that the entire Gate of Repentance rests on one foundational pr…

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## Transcript

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